It's not "that time of the year" again until October

Want to REALLY raise some awareness for breast cancer? How about posting in your status the fact that men get breast cancer too. While not as prevalent as breast cancer in women, it does happen. Better yet, if you really want to raise some awareness, how about posting the fact that Breast Cancer Month was in October and January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, National Stalking Awareness Month, Thyroid Awareness Month, National Birth Defects Prevention Month, National Glaucoma Awareness Month, National Radon Action Month, National Folic Acid Awareness Week, and I"m sure there are more. How about posting that thyroid problems can be caused by pregnancy and pregnancy induced thyroid problems can be the cause of PostPartum Depression, which (by the way) an estimated 1 million+ women suffer from in silence, not counting the women who do seek help, and which mean, grandparents, and adoptive parents can also get? How about posting that stalking is a dangerous crime that affects 3.4 million adults in the United States each year[1]? How about posting that Cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable, yet according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2002 and about 4,100 women will die of the disease.[2] Yes, Breast Cancer sucks and is bad juju. Yes, it's more fun to talk about boobies than it is to talk about cervixes. But you know what? All these other diseases and issues deserve just as much attention as Breast Cancer, AND vague status games don't do any good to "raise awareness" of the true facts of breast cancer.

[1]http://www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org/about
[2]http://www.nccc-online.org/health_news/early_detection.html

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

OCTOBER

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Each year, approximately a million pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of the newborn child. National observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month offers us the opportunity to increase our understanding of the great tragedy involved in the deaths of unborn and newborn babies. It also enables us to consider how, as individuals and communities, we can meet the needs of bereaved parents and family members on work to prevent causes of these problems.

Health care professionals recognize that trends of recent years, such as smaller family size and postponement of childbearing, adds another dimension of poignancy to the grief of parents who have lost infants. More than 700 local, national and international support groups are supplying programs and strategies designed to help parents cope with their loss. Parents who have suffered their own losses, health care professionals and specially trained hospital staff members are helping newly bereaved parents deal constructively with loss...

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 314, has designated the month of October, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of October in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.

Ronald Reagan

Former President

United States of America

October Awareness Month Topics

Ideally I would have posted this at the beginning of this month but the blog wasn't live yet. Better late than never, right?

October is popularly known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's associated with pink ribbons and pink products that are sold in stores and by pretty much every company out there. Nail polish? Check. Pots and pans? You got it. Clothes? Of course. Condoms? I'm not sure about that one, maybe for Gynecological Cancer Awareness? Anyways, you get my point. Everyone is so Aware of Breast Cancer that we practically glow pink.What you don't hear as much about are the other issues, illnesses, causes, and conditions that share October with Breast Cancer. What I was able to find is that in addition to being Breast cancer Awareness Month, October is also National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, Depression and Mental Health Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, Healthy Lung Month, Lupus Awareness Month, Spina Bifida Prevention Awareness, Spinal Health Month, Stuttering Awareness, and Celiac Awareness Month. Please know that this is not an exhaustive list, I'm sure I left some out; if I did, I apologize and please feel free to leave me a comment to let me know what I missed.

Anyways, my point is, how many of those other conditions do we hear about on a regular basis during October? How many of them have ribbon merchandise being sold and signs up everywhere in grocery stores, malls, and gas stations? How many of the other Awareness Months during the year get so much attention that the NFL sports their colors? For instance, September was Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. I didn't hear a bunch of buzz from the NFL about it. September was also Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month but I didn't see Yoplait changing their lids to be Lavender.

I'm not bashing any company or organization that chooses to participate in raising awareness and/or money for any particular illness/cause/etc., but let's even it out a little. Women are aware of breast cancer, and that they need to check for lumps. Let's focus more on getting the word out about male breast cancer, and on raising awareness for other forms of cancer, illness, conditions, and causes. And for goodness sake, lay off of the Facebook "games"! 

Men get breast cancer too

Now here's a Breast Cancer fact that DOES need more awareness and publicity: men get breast cancer too. In fact, according to cancer.org

The most recent American Cancer Society estimates for male breast cancer in the United States are for 2011:

• About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men
• About 450 men will die from breast cancer

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancerinMen/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-in-men-key-statistics

No, the numbers are not nearly as high for men as they are for women, but it's still a statistic that I feel should get more attention during October. October's Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns usually seem, in my opinion, to be geared more towards women, to the extent that I would be in favor of designating it as "Breast Cancer In Women Awareness". Maybe if it were specified that way, more people would say "Oh, so it occurs in men too?". Because it is relatively uncommon in men, general screening on a regular basis isn't thought to be as effective. However, this is exactly why I think men should be aware that it can happen to them too and know that they, too, need to "Check the bumps and feel for lumps".

I christen thee, The Colored Ribbon

My inaugural post for The Colored Ribbon. I feel like I should post something deep and profound. Instead, I'll post the note I wrote (back in September) that was my inspiration for this blog. I hope you enjoy. I don't guarantee how often I'll be able to write here but I'll do my best.

By now, we've probably all seen the "Breast cancer awareness" games that involve seemingly random statuses such as a bra color, where you like your purse to be, or faking pregnancy. Aside from the obvious question of "What exactly does this do to promote breast cancer awareness", the issues of "Well, men get breast cancer too so why are we keeping the game a secret from them instead of including them", "Breast cancer is already known about widely so why are we devoting time to spreading the word instead of promoting funding for research", and "Hey, you know, pretending pregnancy can be hurtful and disrespectful to those who struggle with infertility and/or miscarriages and can be very hurtful to those who get excited thinking there's a baby on the way only to find out it was a joke", there's another issue that Alex and Sophie (aka Jamie) brought to my attention: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, September is the awareness month for several other types of cancer that, IMHO, are in FAR more need of having awareness spread because they don't get nearly the press and attention as breast cancer. This is my attempt to spread some awareness.

Copying and pasting from http://www.cancer-services.com/awareness_det.asp?service-id=913800057 :

Childhood Cancer Awareness 

Childhood cancers are cancers that primarily affect children, teens and young adults. When cancer strikes children and young people, it affects them differently than it does adults. For example, young patients often have a more advanced stage of cancer when first diagnosed.  Childhood cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemia's), brain, bone, the lymphatic system and tumors of the muscles, kidneys and nervous system.

During the month of September there are activities happening around the world to raise awareness about childhood cancers, and celebrate surviorship.

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Gold

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

www.candlelighters.org/septchildhoodcancermonth.stm

National Childhood Cancer Foundation

www.nccf.org/childhoodcancer/different.asp

 

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness

Each year over 82,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. Some symptoms of gynecologic cancers are feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis, abnormal bleeding, excessive discharge, itching, a sore that does not heal, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent indigestion and a thickening or lump that causes pain or can be felt or seen.  Screenings and self-examinations conducted early can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

www.wcn.org/gcf/pubs/order_gcam.htm

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Gynecological Cancers.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness

Every five minutes, someone in the United States learns that he or she has leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma – more than 300 people a day.  Leukemia and lymphoma, also known as blood cancers, originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues.  The diseases result from a genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell. 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding cures for blood-related cancers. It also provides support for those who suffer from them. 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

Ovarian Cancer Awareness 

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.  Some symptoms of ovarian cancer are feeling of fullness or bloating, digestive problems, changes in bowel/bladder patterns, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, fatigue, pain during intercourse or weight loss/gain.

This month our Conversations On Cancer Ovarian Support Group is discussing "Managing the Side Effects of Treatment" with Sandi Hill, R.N. Gynecology Coordinator from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Join us at Cancer Services on September 3 at 12 p.m.! For more information contact Nedra at (336) 760-9983. 

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Teal

Also visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website for more resources.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

http://www.ovarian.org 

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Ovarian Cancer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 18-24)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men.  African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing the disease.  There are two annual screening tests for prostate cancer.  They are the digital rectal examination and the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test.

Forsyth Regional Cancer Center hosts Conversations On Cancer Us Too! For Prostate Cancer Support Group. This month's meeting is September 9th at 7 p.m. Call (336) 718-8577 for more information.

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Blue

Also visit the Nationa Prostate Cancer Coalition website for schedule for events nationwide

National Prostate Cancer Coalition

www.fightprostatecancer.org

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Prostate Cancer.

National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

Each year over 19,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Symptoms of thyroid cancer are a lump or nodule in the font of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing or pain in the throat or neck.

This week is dedicated to educating the community on early detection and providing information to survivors about the treatment and available resources. 

Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association http://www.thyca.org/awareness.htm 

My mother-in-law had Thyroid Cancer. My Pawpaw had Prostate cancer. My best friend growing up died from brain cancer as a child. I had an abnormal pap smear and colposcapy (the biopsy was benign) after I had Elizabeth and was terrified that I might have cervical cancer. I dedicate my awareness efforts this month to Mom Dale, Pawpaw, Tiffy, their families and friends, all those who have battled these types of cancer, whether they survived or passed away, and their family, friends and loved ones who went through it with them.

This month, let's make a difference. Let's get some equality going. If you must make a game out of cancer awareness, make it awareness for those cancers that affect just as many people as breast cancer but, for whatever reason, don't get NEARLY the amount of publicity and press. And if you want to focus on breast cancer, recognize that breast cancer is very known about and consider donating to fund research to find a cure instead. But most of all, don't be shocked and upset and cry foul if people point out the things that I have.